The lively striker Bates joins Raiders having most recently played for Malvern Town, spending 3 years at the club after joining the Hillsiders in the summer of 2020. Bates was a key figure in Malvern Town’s promotion-winning campaign last year, contributing 19 goals in 38 appearances. Joe managed 24 goals the season before in the uhlSport Hellenic Premier Division.

The striker has had previous experience at a higher level with the likes of Worcester City and Bishop’s Cleeve previously in his career.

Gaffer Karl Gormley was delighted to get the deal over the line: “As soon as I knew Joe [Bates] might be available, we jumped at the chance to get him through the door. We’ve obviously seen plenty of him at Malvern Town and he’s always done really well against us. Joe is a winner who has experience of getting promoted from this league, so I’m over the moon at getting this signing over the line. Having spoken to Joe, I knew he would fit in well with our lads and we can’t wait to get to work with him.”

Welcome to Sixways, Joe!

#UTR